Clarence Jerome Hamm
The Reverend Clarence Jerome Hamm, affectionately known as “Hambone,” of Tiger, GA, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 5:45 AM. The celebration of life service will be held on October 5, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Nacoochee Presbyterian Church located at 260 GA Highway 255 North Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571 (706) 878-2226
Jerome was born on June 9, 1936, in Louisville, Alabama. He was the cherished only child of Kelsey and Annabelle Hamm. Jerome’s life was a testament to two profound loves: his unwavering devotion to Christ and His church, and the deep, enduring love for his wife, Erah Maxine Hamm, who preceded him in death on March 17, 2020. Their love story began in high school, when Jerome boldly declared to his friends, “One day I am going to marry that girl!” His prophecy came true when they were married on June 9, 1956, at Prospect Baptist Church near Louisville. Their bond, lasting over seven decades, remained steadfast through life’s many challenges.
Jerome began his ministry while still a senior in high school and dedicated his life to serving nearly twenty different congregations. His legacy is not just in his biological lineage but in the countless lives touched and transformed by his lifelong service to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Embodying the Wesleyan spirit, Jerome viewed the world as his parish, extending compassion and mercy to everyone he met—whether they were congregation members, inmates, or those in need on the streets. He greeted all with the spirit of prevenient grace, embodying the profound truth of Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” and the unity expressed in the Great Thanksgiving: “By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other.”
The life and ministry of Jerome Hamm can be beautifully summed up by the Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila: “Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands. Yours are the feet. Yours are the eyes. You are his body.”
Jerome’s legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be dearly missed but his spirit and impact will remain in the hearts of those he touched throughout his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Murphy-Harpst Home for Children in Cedartown, GA. https://murphyharpst.org/murphy-harpst-100/
Jerome is survived by:
Children and spouses: Felicia & Bruce Partain, Hans & Margaret Hamm, and Liana & David Smith. Grandchildren and spouses: Adria (Partain) & Kris Smallwood Deirdre (Partain) & Chris Tiller Donovan Partain & Ammaly Siriphongsavath Julian & Paula Tunno (Hamm) Meg Tunno (Hamm) Kelsey Smith Isaac Smith
Great Grandchildren: Jonathan Kee (Hamm) Ana-Margaret & Garrett Byrd (Hamm) Leigh Tunno Emily Tunno Kele Smallwood Caiden Partain Cole Smallwood Willow Partain Wyatt Partain
Great-Great Grandchildren: Haven Byrd
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Rev.Jerome was the minister for North Georgia College’s Wesley Foundation from 1982-1986. He made such an impression on me as a Freshman, finding my path in the world. He made Holy Week so meaningful for our Wesley group. He preached a sermon one time where he brought a tree limb fill with wet leaves down the isle of Dahlonega Methodist Church, slinging water droplets on the congregation while saying, “remember your Baptism!” I’ll never forget that! I learned so much from him during those College years. He is one of the most influential people in my life!
Jerome had a lasting impact on me and my family. I enjoyed working with him at Dahlonega United Methodist Church and the Wesley Foundation in the 1980s. I still think of him often.
Jerome and Maxine rolled into Rock Spring with their 5 Hamm trailer on a Hot June day. It was a great 6 years doing ministry at Rock Spring. My family grew a special attachment to them as our children were close to the same ages.. Maxine and I. took college classes together. We loved the family like family and still consider all of them as family today. I am so sorry we have lost both of them but know they are with Jesus . They meant so much to the families at Rock Spring . Love keeping in touch with the children and see how they grown into great adults.Hope they all know they can always call of us for anything.
Jerome and Maxine welcomed this young mother to Dahlonega United Methodist Church in the 1980 s.
His positive sermons were an inspiration and encouraging..